Backup administrator vs network administrator

The differences between backup administrators and network administrators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a backup administrator and a network administrator. Additionally, a backup administrator has an average salary of $92,866, which is higher than the $71,357 average annual salary of a network administrator.

The top three skills for a backup administrator include linux, SAN and unix. The most important skills for a network administrator are switches, windows server, and troubleshoot.

Backup administrator vs network administrator overview

	Backup Administrator	Network Administrator
Yearly salary	$92,866	$71,357
Hourly rate	$44.65	$34.31
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	70,421	106,886
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a backup administrator do?

A backup administrator usually works at a company's information technology department, where they are in charge of developing and overseeing backup systems to protect company data. They create and implement backup plans, develop recovery strategies and protocols, set objectives and guidelines, and conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure the systems' efficiency. They also train new members of the workforce and supervise staff, providing them with technical support and guidance. Moreover, a backup administrator encourages team members to reach goals while implementing the company's standards and regulations.

What does a network administrator do?

A network administrator is responsible for managing an organization's computer systems, ensuring its smooth operations and highest efficiency. Network administrators' duties include inspecting network malfunctions, troubleshooting unresponsive programs, improving system processes, analyzing client's specifications, upgrading existing applications, coordinating with the technology department, and creating a report of network issues resolutions. A network administrator should display a strong command of programming languages. Extensive knowledge in the technology industry and analytical and problem-solving skills to manage network problems immediately is also necessary.

Backup administrator vs network administrator salary

Backup administrators and network administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Backup Administrator	Network Administrator
Average salary	$92,866	$71,357
Salary range	Between $61,000 And $139,000	Between $56,000 And $90,000
Highest paying City	Philadelphia, PA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Pennsylvania	Washington
Best paying company	Cedars-Sinai	Google
Best paying industry	Health Care	Finance

Differences between backup administrator and network administrator education

There are a few differences between a backup administrator and a network administrator in terms of educational background:

	Backup Administrator	Network Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Backup administrator vs network administrator demographics

Here are the differences between backup administrators' and network administrators' demographics:

	Backup Administrator	Network Administrator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 79.2% Female, 20.8%	Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 12.2% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 9.6% White, 63.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between backup administrator and network administrator duties and responsibilities

Backup administrator example responsibilities.

Monitor and manage Cisco routers and switches management.
Create several Unix bash scripts to automate the environment.
Manage all network infrastructure including firewall, routers, switches, network storage, wireless AP s and CAT5e management.
Manage the preventative maintenance of all critical infrastructure which includes HVAC, generator, security system, and fire suppression.
Manage SnapMirror relationships, troubleshooting replication job failures, SnapVault and other archive solutions.
Ensure AIX data integrity by evaluating, implementing and managing appropriate software and hardware solutions.

Network administrator example responsibilities.

Lead and manage desktop standards project.
Manage backups using EMC Networker and Avamar.
Manage Solarwinds to monitor servers and networks for all locations.
Manage all provisioning and technical issues for new customer IP blocks.
Deploy and manage storage (windows file servers and NetApp NAS).
Manage all technology: Novell, Microsoft, Cisco, email, library, labs, dorms, programs

Backup administrator vs network administrator skills

Common backup administrator skills

Linux, 8%
SAN, 8%
Unix, 6%
Disk, 6%
Windows Server, 6%
Disaster Recovery, 5%

Common network administrator skills

Switches, 7%
Windows Server, 6%
Troubleshoot, 5%
Network Hardware, 5%
Routers, 4%
Lan Wan, 4%

Backup Administrator vs. similar jobs

Backup Administrator related careers

Backup Administrator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Computer and Mathematical Industry
Backup Administrator
Backup Administrator vs Network Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse computer and mathematical jobs